2005 Pontiac Vibe consumer reviews

My parents bought this car new back in 2005 with all the options including the AWD system and "sport exhaust" which makes it a rare find in todays world. The Pontiac vibe shares the same platform and drive train as the Toyota matrix and the 1.8 litre DOCH 1zz with AWD essentially makes the car a Corolla in hatchback form. I grew up and learned to drive on this car and with 192,000 on the ODO it still runs like it did when my dad bought the car. Other than general services only the front hub bearing needed to be replaced but I also changed the valve cover gasket, serpentine belt, and spark plugs at 180,000 as preventative maintenance. The car handles the snow and wet roads like nothing else out there in its class. I come from Northern WV and this car can take a beating in the snow with good tires. It refuses to kick the back end out in an icy parking lot unless you actively force it to. The gas mileage is in the high twenties in town and on the highway between 75 and 80mph. The interior has held up over years of abuse enough that it still is presentable in 2017. The dash controls may seem Spartan, but they get the job done and they are very easy to manipulate without looking at them. The only downfalls with this car is the power- or lack of it. You won't win any races in this car and you have to really tax the engine for anything over 80 but it can tow a john boat and this car has taken my family and I across the country numerous times, and I have my faith in this car to last me another 5 to 6 years and well beyond 250,000. A good source of information for these cars can be found on the Genvibe community forums for anything you could possibly need to know about these cars. Also since the car shares many parts with the Toyota Matrix any Toyota dealership should be able to fix any major mechanical issues if they do arise (This is where our hub bearing was fixed). All in all I would recommend this car to someone who is looking for a reliable starter car or secondary vehicle, but always check for service records and get a pre vehicle purchase inspection since these vehicles are approaching 15 years old in the coming years.

The most Reliable car I have ever had. Plenty of leg and headroom, 120V power outlet. Fun to drive great get up and go.

I bought it used with 55k five years ago. Now it has 107k and runs as good as it was when I bought it. Very reliable car, a real gas saver, perfect for commuting. Most major parts (engine, transmission, ECU, switches) made by Toyota. Excellent value for money!

This car is great for a beginner driver, college student, or someone a bit down on their luck. The powertrain of the vehicle will probably outlive the body as long as it is maintained. It is technically a Toyota powertrain, so it's pretty good. The sound system in it is really top-notch. I will definitely miss that part when I get rid of it. It is relatively easy and cheap to work on, and parts are readily available. The vehicle also has plenty of room for activities. I've loaded up boards, had 2 bikes in the back, tossed in 8 bags of concrete, you name it I've probably done it. In all the car is good and reliable. The biggest downfall to the car, though, is how light it is. It's weight is what is drawing me away from it - the gas mileage is VERY affected by wind, it is pretty hard to handle in even a breeze (such as going over a lake or field), and forget getting it stuck behind a semi. It's definitely something someone looking for a low-cost car can get used to, but it has been something that drove me to a new purchase.

bought mine as a left over in 2006- use it everyday - only car we have- 224,000 miles on it- haven't put any $$$ into it, except for normal maintenance- no complaints- handles well in all weather.

I bought Buzzy Baby new in 2005. She's a GT, silver, w/ 17 inch wheels. I've got 178K miles on her, and the only time she's seen a mechanic is the airbag recall. Total repairs: heater box door actuator, $64, and a seat back spring, replaced from a junk yard. The car is a little rat racer in station wagon disguise. The Yamaha designed 2ZZ VVTL motor wakes up at about 3,500 rpm. The variable lift cam switches in at 6,200 rpm, then pulls hard to 8,2000 rpm. The clutch and 6 speed manual are light, quick, and smooth. Shift. Smile. Grab -2 with a double-clutch. Big Grin. You can have lots of fun with this car without going too fast or being obvious. Nicely weighted steering. There is some body roll in the corners when tossed (it is a baby SUV), and the inside front tire spins some when having fun. Part of the charm of the car. It is also a surprisingly good car for unpaved roads, as the long travel suspension doesn't bottom easily, and the ground clearance w/ 17's is good. The interior is Toyota Corolla/Matrix, and has withstood 178K quite well. Head room is excellent, and seats surprisingly comfortable (with a bit of tweaking).

I have a 2005 Vibe my husband and I purchased when we found out his job would require an hour and 15 min drive to and from work every day. His job has since changed. Now it is my car and I couldn't be more pleased! This little car has hauled 10-15 50lb sacks of feed once a week for the past year, fits my largest dog kennel, 8-10 ft 2x4's, and cement. It also goes through my muddy pasture with no problem. (my little dune buggy!) It has required very little maintenance other than routine stuff and the gas mileage is awesome! It has over 300,000 miles on it and my only pet peeve is that the odometer stopped at 299,999 miles. Really love this car and will be sad when it finally gives up. Will definitely consider purchasing a 2nd hand one.

I have had my 2005 Vibe for five years now and I love it! I have had no issues with it mechanically, it is comfortable for road trips, and it's cute!

I have the GT model and what I love most about the car is that, like its owner, it would have trouble passing an inkblot test. The car definitely has multiple personalities: * is it a Pontiac or a Toyota? Best guess is 20% unique Pontiac parts, and good luck trying to find some of those in a pinch! * is it a compact sedan or an SUV? While using the Matrix wheelbase ? brilliantly, I might add ? the wagon configuration, with the back seat down and the high front seat, does a great job of pretending to be an SUV. The deliberately rough ride in the GT pack ? resulting from massive low profile 17 inch wheels and a suspension a Corvette would envy ? adds to the illusion. * is a sport car or an economy car? Truth is, even the car doesn?t know. The GT pak comes with a hi-performance engine that begs for revving and a 6 speed manual which acts as both a gearbox and an Alzheimers test. Forget for a moment what gear you were last in and you will find that your adventure is just beginning... * are parts prices Japanese-high or US-low? Again, the mystery deepens. The secondary emission fan on the GT is notoriously unreliable (a bad design allows water and dirt to collect) and, not counting diagnosis or labor, will run $1500. Or you can simply leave the CHECK ENGINE light on. And if anything happens to your 17 inch tire and rim pak, your great-grandfather will feel the pinch in HIS wallet. On the other hand, if you do a lot of hiway miles, leave it in 6th and you will get some of the best mpg results in the class. Overall: fun, quirky, a car that keeps you awake, a car that makes you think. If you are considering a used one, don?t think of it as a purchase, think of it as a ?rescue.?

Like most people who own this car, I am pleased with it. Like most, I have replaced the starter, but other that that, it has only required routine maintenance. It is a little noisier than the average car but makes up for it in comfort and utility. The car usually is driven about 75 mph on the highway and gets an average of 27 mpg. Mine is the base fwd and it does fine in the snow with good all season tires. It drives very well and goes straight down the road. No complaints here about anything on the car. It does have some blind spots so I've learned to always turn my head after checking the rear view mirrors. I think it has more space than my Prius and I use this car if there is any question about load size. This drivetrain has been around forever and will last forever with minimal maintenance. It is easy to work on as it is the same car mechanically as the Toyota Matrix. I would not hesitate to buy another should something happen to mine. Good car!